Train disruptions announced across Lancashire today

Hundreds of trains across the North West have been cancelled today due to staff shortages.

Northern has released details of disruption customers are likely to face across its network.

The train operator will be running an amended timetable across much of the north west of England with many services in, Lancashire already cancelled.

A spokesman for Northern, said: “Unfortunately we have so far had to cancel more than 170 services across our network and it is likely more will be cancelled as we continue to plan our services.

“The areas most affected are in Lancashire and Greater Manchester and we would like to apologise to customers whose plans and journeys will be disrupted.”

So far 16 trains between Preston and Colne have been cancelled. Two trains are cancelled on the route from Blackpool North to Carlisle and a further 27 trains between Lancaster and Morecambe are cancelled.

Northern says that many of its staff have made themselves unavailable for work on today and operational teams are currently working on a plan to make the best use of those staff who are available and to run as many services as possible.

Rail replacement road transport will also be used where possible to help try to keep Northern customers on the move.

The spokesman added: “Again, we would like to apologise to our customers and advise anyone planning on travelling tomorrow to plan carefully, check for cancellations and visit the Northern website or National Rail Enquiries for the most up-to-date information.”